Patti Sapone/The Star-LedgerSenate President Stephen Sweeney, pictured in this file photo, was able to garner only 20 votes in support of his budget plan during a closed-door session of Democrats last week, sources said today.

TRENTON — Senate President Stephen Sweeney was able to garner only 20 votes — less than a majority of the Senate — in support of his budget plan during a closed-door session of Democrats last week, sources said today.

Sweeney (D-Gloucester) has since picked up the crucial 21st vote from State. Sen Ron Rice of Essex County, virtually assuring that Democrats can move a budget bill through the Senate. The overall plan, which outlines the contours of the budget, includes delaying any decision on a tax cut until — or unless — Gov. Chris Christie hits his ambitious revenue targets.

However, Rice said today that his support comes with strings attached.

“I told him I would give him the 21st vote conditionally,” Rice said. “I told him he was to work with all Democrats, including members of the Black Caucus, because we have spending priorities.”

Democratic sources who attended the party meeting said the members who voiced opposition were angry that Sweeney planned on relying on most of Christie’s spending plan without adding their own legislative priorities.

The sources requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly on behalf of the party.

There was also concern that Sweeney 's budget plan relied on the governor’s revenue figures instead of of the less optimistic estimates offered by the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services. Several of the nation's major credit-rating agencies have also questioned Christie's projections.

Amomg the 24 Democrats in the Senate, those who did not support Sweeney’s plan included Richard Codey of Essex Couny, Shirley Turner of Mercer County, Barbara Buono of Middlesex County, and Rice.